No. 13 Texas Tech Stops Late 2-Point Try to Beat No. 22 Houston 28-26/ TezzBuzz/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ No. 13 Texas Tech defeated No. 22 Houston 28-26 after quarterback Conner Weigman was stopped just short on a late 2-point conversion attempt. J’Koby Williams and Cameron Dickey scored second-half rushing touchdowns as the Red Raiders recovered from an early 10-point deficit. Will Hammond threw for 257 yards and a touchdown, while Texas Tech extended its home winning streak to 10 games.
Quick Look
- Texas Tech improved to 3-0 overall and 1-0 in Big 12 play.
- Houston fell to 2-1 and 0-1 in the conference.
- A replay review confirmed Weigman was short on the tying conversion.
- Hammond completed 17 of 27 passes for 257 yards and one touchdown.
- Weigman threw for 282 yards and three touchdowns.
- Williams and Dickey scored second-half rushing touchdowns.
- Kenny Johnson recorded four catches for 113 yards and one score.
- Texas Tech overcame an early 10-0 deficit.
- The Red Raiders have won 10 consecutive home games.
- Both teams play nonconference opponents at home on Sept. 26.
Deep Look
Texas Tech survives Houston’s late comeback
LUBBOCK, Texas — No. 13 Texas Tech stopped a potential game-tying 2-point conversion in the final minute to defeat No. 22 Houston 28-26 in the Big 12 opener for both teams.
Houston quarterback Conner Weigman connected with Patrick Overmyer for a 10-yard touchdown with 49 seconds remaining, cutting the Red Raiders’ lead to two points.
On the conversion attempt, Weigman ran toward the left side and extended the football as he lunged for the goal line. His knee touched the field before the ball crossed the plane, leaving Texas Tech ahead.
Big 12 replay officials reviewed the play and confirmed that Weigman had been stopped short.
“There’s no moral victories,” Houston coach Willie Fritz said. “We came here to win. And we didn’t win.”
Replay process broadcast to viewers
The Fox Sports audience was able to watch and listen as Big 12 replay officials at the conference’s headquarters evaluated the conversion attempt.
Officials examined multiple camera angles while discussing when Weigman’s knee went down and where the football was positioned.
The ruling preserved Texas Tech’s two-point advantage and effectively secured the victory.
It was one of several reviews during the broadcast in which viewers received access to officials’ conversations and decision-making process.
Texas Tech recovers from slow start
The Red Raiders fell behind 10-0 and ran only one offensive play during the first 9 1/2 minutes.
Houston opened the scoring with a field goal before immediately regaining possession through Will James’ sideline interception.
Tommy Castellanos, who started at quarterback for Texas Tech, was under pressure and attempted to throw the ball away. James intercepted the pass while maintaining his position near the boundary.
The turnover led to an 11-yard touchdown reception by Amare Thomas. Thomas twisted toward the goal line and extended the football while being tackled.
Officials initially ruled him short, but a replay review changed the call to a touchdown.
Hammond settles the Red Raiders’ offense
Will Hammond replaced Castellanos and provided stability for the Texas Tech offense.
Hammond completed 17 of 27 passes for 257 yards and a touchdown. The Red Raiders improved to 3-0 overall and 1-0 in conference play.
“It just shows the resilience of this team and the belief they have in each other. There was never a time that those guys got down. They just kept fighting,” Texas Tech coach Joey McGuire said. “I just continue to believe that as the season goes, we’ll keep getting better and better again.”
The game was Texas Tech’s first Friday home contest since 1941.
Hammond and Johnson connect for big plays
Hammond found Kenny Johnson for a 28-yard completion on third-and-12 to extend a Texas Tech possession.
The pair later connected on a 35-yard touchdown early in the second quarter.
Johnson finished with four receptions for a game-high 113 yards.
Castellanos returned later in the first half and scored on a 3-yard run with 3:39 remaining, helping Texas Tech erase the early deficit.
Houston carries lead into halftime
Houston regained the advantage before halftime when Weigman connected with Koby Young for a 46-yard touchdown.
Young made an over-the-shoulder catch and secured the football against his shoulder pads while falling across the pylon.
The score gave Houston a 17-14 halftime lead.
Weigman completed 27 of 38 passes for 282 yards and three touchdowns, keeping the Cougars within striking distance throughout the game.
Williams delivers immediate second-half response
J’Koby Williams had only two carries for 5 yards during the first half but became a major factor after halftime.
He opened the second half with consecutive runs of 19, 5 and 29 yards. On the final carry, Williams burst through the left side and reached the end zone without being touched.
The touchdown gave Texas Tech a 21-17 lead just 2 1/2 minutes into the third quarter.
Cameron Dickey added a 1-yard touchdown run with 7:36 remaining in the fourth, extending the Red Raiders’ advantage before Houston’s final rally.
Hammond confirmed as starting quarterback
McGuire clarified Texas Tech’s quarterback situation after the game, confirming that Hammond remains the starter.
“Will Hammond is our starting quarterback. We have packages for Tommy and those packages will continue to grow,” McGuire said. “We had two plays we’re going to run right there. If we don’t get pressure, then I think we have a huge play starting right off the bat. … The plan was two plays and Will come into the game.”
Castellanos joined Texas Tech shortly before the season after previously playing for Florida State and Boston College.
Hammond had been expected to start before suffering an ACL injury in October 2025. His recovery progressed without setbacks, allowing him to return for the beginning of this season.
Sorsby’s departure reshaped quarterback plans
Texas Tech initially expected transfer Brendan Sorsby to become its starting quarterback.
Sorsby was declared ineligible following an NCAA gambling investigation, creating uncertainty around the position during the offseason.
Hammond’s successful rehabilitation allowed the Red Raiders to return to their earlier plan, while Castellanos provides an additional running and passing option through specialized packages.
Houston shows strength on the ground
Houston entered the game after going undefeated in six road contests during its 10-win 2025 season.
The Cougars rushed for 104 yards before halftime and finished with 176.
That ended a seven-game Texas Tech defensive streak of holding opponents below 100 rushing yards—the longest active streak in the Football Bowl Subdivision entering the game.
Despite Houston’s production, the Red Raiders made the critical final stop needed to preserve the victory.
Texas Tech extends home winning streak
Texas Tech won its 10th consecutive home gameits longest such run since winning 12 straight between 2007 and 2009.
Houston became the first opponent during the current streak to score more than 17 points in Lubbock.
The Red Raiders’ ability to overcome an early deficit and survive Houston’s final possession allowed them to begin their Big 12 title defense with a conference victory.
Up next
Both teams return home for their final nonconference games on Sept. 26.
Houston will host Georgia Southernwhile Texas Tech will face Sam Houston.
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